This article explains how to remove and replace the hard drive in a Power Mac G4 Cube computer. You may also view the following procedure in QuickTime at http://www.info.apple.com/installparts/ .

Be sure to follow the instructions in this sheet carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to your equipment and may void your warranty.

Replacing the ATA drive requires five basic steps:

• Turn off the computer.
• Remove the computer core from the enclosure.
• Remove the installed ATA drive.
• Install the replacement ATA drive.
• Reinstall the computer core in the enclosure.

Tools Required

• A flat blade screwdriver
• Torx T-8 driver
• Phillips screwdriver

Static electricity, a normal and natural phenomenon, builds up on your body as you walk around. You experience an electrostatic discharge (ESD) when you touch an object and feel a spark. ESD can cause damage to the internal components of your computer. Avoid walking around while performing this procedure, and follow the instructions carefully when you are asked to discharge static electricity.

Removing the Computer Core from the Enclosure

1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.

2. Shut down the computer by choosing Shut Down from the Special menu. Then wait five minutes for the computer's internal components to cool down.

3. Unplug all cables from the computer except the power cord.

Note: If you have never plugged in the computer, connect the computer's power cord and plug it in.

4. Turn the computer upside down on a soft clean cloth.

5. Touch the bare metal at the port access covers on the back of the computer.

Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, always ground yourself by touching the port access covers before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed the installation and closed the computer.

6. Unplug the power cord.

7. Push down on the latch to release it. Allow the latch to extend completely.

8. Gently pull the core from the computer enclosure and place it on a soft cloth.

1. Remove the AirPort card, if installed.

2. Press and hold the door latch, and then open the AirPort shield door.

3. With the AirPort shield door open, pull the tab to disconnect the ATA ribbon cable connector from the hard drive.

4. Disconnect the power cable connector from the hard drive. (You might need to use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry up and loosen the connector.)

5. Push in the core latch, and reposition the computer chassis so you can access the heatsink and hard drive.

6. Loosen, but do not remove, the captive screws at the heatsink.

7. Lift up the loosened heatsink, and slide the hard drive out of the carrier.

1. Position the replacement drive on the drive carrier so that the ribbon cable and power cable connectors align with the slots at the end of the carrier.

2. Lift up the heatsink, and slide in the drive.

3. Align the heatsink fins to the opposite heatsink fins. Tighten the three captive screws.

4. Reconnect the power cable connector and the ATA ribbon cable connector to the drive.

5. Close the AirPort shield door, and press down so the door latch engages.

6. Reinstall the AirPort card, if applicable.

1. Holding the core by the latch, insert the core into the computer.

Note: The core fits into the enclosure only one way. Position the ports on the core so that they are toward the back of the enclosure.

2. With a flat hand, press down on the latch until it locks into place. Firmly press the core to ensure it is fully secured within the enclosure.

Important: Do not lift or carry the computer by the core latch. The enclosure could fall off the core and be damaged.

3. Turn the computer upright and reconnect all cables.

4. Restart the computer.

Repackaging the Drive

Repackage the drive you removed from the computer in the static-proof bag and box that you received with the replacement drive. Seal the box and affix the return label with the tape and label included in the box.